IB DP Physics SL
Physics SL is the Standard Level course for Physics. It covers mechanics, thermal physics, waves, fields and modern physics, with practical investigation.
Standard Level (SL) courses cover the essential content and skills in roughly 150 teaching hours, giving a solid foundation without the added depth and breadth of Higher Level.
What students will do
- Solve problems quantitatively
- Apply models to real situations
- Analyse and evaluate data
Internal assessment
Students complete an independent scientific investigation, which contributes to the final grade alongside the external exams.
Revision tip
Read each question for the command word (describe, explain, compare) before you start. It tells you how much detail is expected.
Should I choose HL or HL?
Choose HL for subjects you enjoy most or may study at university, and SL for the rest. Your teacher or DP coordinator can advise on the right balance.